Mailbag - May 2019

A TEAM Though angry when confronted at the height of his addiction, Max Flinn remains close to his mother, Beth. Max has been sober since 2012. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

Coping with addiction, together

I enjoyed the story [Intervening on Addiction, by Cheryl Ursin, April 2019] but want to add the tremendous value of participating in Al-Anon, a fellowship of individuals who cope with the problems of addiction in a loved one or friend. This group, founded by the wife of Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, is free, anonymous and able to provide support and the benefit of our experience to those suffering the trauma associated with addiction. The website of the local chapter is houstonalanon.org. Thank you again for bringing this article to the local public attention. It’s far more common than any of us imagine.

A grateful Al-Anon member

Passover traditions

My family has always made our gefilte fish from scratch [Friendship – and Fish: Four decades of Passover prep, by Russell Weil, April 2019]. My grandmother, Fay Rosenthal, along with Irene (until she retired), and now my Aunt Marlene and Hayley, my sister. My aunt also gets the fish from J&R Seafood Market, but for a few years my husband would catch it! Now, J&R grinds the fish, but I do remember the fish/meat grinder that my grandmother and Irene used. It would latch onto the table, at the house on Grennoch, and they would grind the fish into the bucket. I would like to forget seeing those eyes (gross), and that part thankfully is now eliminated! They now make the gefilte fish at my mom's house, and the smell is the beginning of the holiday preparation. This is a part of what makes our Seder so special, and I'm hoping that my daughter will learn how to make the fish and continue our family tradition.

Bonnie G. Winograd

Katie O’Sullivan is a star

Just enjoyed reading your article about Katie O’Sullivan [A Storied Life: Katie O’Sullivan – the first 93 years, by Andria Frankfort, April 2019] this morning. What a terrific life she has had and still going strong at 93! She is a beautiful lady both inside and out…. Please let Katie know that she is gorgeous and very much a lady and a terrific role model. There aren’t many ladies like Katie. Ok, crazy comment . . . she puts me in mind of a movie about her life . . . starring Katie, no need for a glamorous movie star!

Anonymous

Story captured young artist Sevy

Angie, amazing article [Speaking Through Art: Sevy Eicher's unfolding talent, by Angie Frederickson, March 2019]. We loved it so much, and everyone has been calling and texting about how great it was. It can be scary to be vulnerable and have someone else put your story out there, but you couldn’t have captured our family better. We so appreciate your attention to the “little things” that are such a big part of who we are. We enjoyed working with you all. Thanks again for making this a great experience!

Lisa Eicher

A big yes for inclusive rodeo

Easter Seals Houston is always so appreciative of the support of The Buzz Magazines and in general for the support of the disability community as a whole. Michelle did such a great story covering our committee [Rodeo for All, by Michelle Casas Groogan, March 2019] – all of our committee was excited to see it! Thank you for everything you do!

Kelly N. Klein, Development Director, Easter Seals Greater Houston

Fan of Back Porch Table

I’ve been meaning to let you know that I made your Mexican Chicken recipe [Back Porch Table, Buzzworthy blog, by Andria Frankfort] – so yummy! I've made it once per the recipe, and then I made just the chicken part and made tacos with it. So good! Next up are the chocolate chip cookies with the vanilla pudding. Thanks for sharing such yummy recipes!

Michele Carlin

Editor’s note: Every Friday, Andria Frankfort shares recipes for weekend entertaining (or anytime) on our Back Porch Table blog.

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